d. County Government Month Proclamation. Presented to Catawba County Employee of the Year Jeff Sigmon, Utilities and Engineering Department Employee of the Year Beverly Hester and Public Health, Library, Emergency Services and Social Services Directors Doug Urland, Suzanne White, Bryan Blanton and John Eller.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Individuals needing assistance should contact the County Clerk at 828-465-8990 within a reasonable time prior to the meeting. Access to the 1924 Courthouse for individuals with disabilities is at the south side (“A” Street). The elevator is located at the north end of the building. Participation in public meetings is without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, color, or disability.

INFOTALK/INTERNET: The Catawba County Telephone Information System will allow you to use your touch tone telephone to obtain current information on Catawba County 24 hours a day. Information is updated on a regular basis. Dial 465-8468 and INFOTALK will direct your questions with easy to understand instructions. Reach Catawba County on the Internet at http://www.catawbacountync.gov.

CALENDAR: The next Board of Commissioners meeting will take place on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Robert E. Hibbitts Meeting Room, 1924 Courthouse, 30 North College Avenue, Newton, NC.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will receive an update on several construction projects currently underway, including the new Animal Shelter and Sherrills Ford branch of the County Library and expansion of the Justice Center, when the Board meets at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2014, at the 1924 Courthouse at 30 North College Avenue in Newton.

The Board will also consider the donation of surplus vehicles and equipment, specifically a 2008 Ford F350 Type III ambulance and Stryker stretcher to the Hickory Rescue Squad and a 2007 Chevrolet Impala to the Catawba Rescue Squad. And the Board will issue proclamations declaring April as County Government Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, the week of April 7-13, 2014, as National Public Health Week and the week of April 13-19, 2014, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Catawba County.

PRESENTATIONSA. The Board will issue a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Catawba County, urging citizens to increase their participation in efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the community in which we live.

B. The Board will issue a proclamation declaring April 7-13, 2014, as National Public Health Week. The theme of this proclamation is “Public Health: Start Here” and calls upon the people of the County to observe the week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and leaders better understand the value of public health and adopt preventative lifestyle habits.

C. The Board will issue a proclamation declaring April 13-19, 2014, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, recognizing the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county and citizens safe.

D. The Board will issue a proclamation declaring April as County Government Month in Catawba County. The theme of this proclamation is “Ready and Resilient Counties: Prepare. Respond. Thrive.” and it recognizes that Catawba County’s professional employees provide essential services to create a healthy, safe, vibrant and economically resilient community.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

EMERGENCY SERVICES/PURCHASINGA. 1. The Board will consider adopting a resolution authorizing the donation of a 2007 Chevrolet Impala, which has been requested by the Catawba Rescue Squad. This vehicle will be used primarily to run medical first response calls and may at times be utilized to transport Rescue Squad members to squad meetings and training classes. This vehicle will replace a current vehicle the Squad is using and will not be an expansion to its fleet. The vehicle to be donated is a 2007 Chevrolet with 104,375 miles.

North Carolina General Statute 160A-279 authorizes the County to convey personal property to a nonprofit organization without monetary consideration as long as the property will be used for a public purpose. The process begins with the governing board adopting a resolution authorizing the conveyance of the property and a ten-day public notice. The Board’s Finance and Personnel Subcommittee recommends the donation of this vehicle to the Catawba Rescue Squad.

2. The Board will consider adopting a resolution authorizing the donation of a 2008 Ford F350 Type III Ambulance and a Stryker stretcher, which have been requested by the Hickory Rescue Squad. The ambulance would replace a front line unit the Squad currently has and would be used for patient transports as backup service for Catawba County EMS, as well as to provide a standby unit for the community. The ambulance to be donated is a 2008 Ford F350 Type III Ambulance with 116,103 miles.

North Carolina General Statute 160A-279 authorizes the County to convey personal property to a nonprofit organization without monetary consideration as long as the property will be used for a public purpose. The process begins with the governing board adopting a resolution authorizing the conveyance of the property and a ten-day public notice. The Board’s Finance and Personnel Subcommittee recommends the donation of this vehicle to the Hickory Rescue Squad.

B. FACILITIES
The Board will receive an update on several construction projects currently underway, including the new Animal Shelter and Sherrills Ford branch of the County Library, and the expansion of the Justice Center.